UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
UN slams celeb drug users
Disclaimer: The news story on this page is the copyright of the cited publication. This has been reproduced here for visitors to review, comment on and discuss. This is in keeping with the principle of 'fair dealing' or 'fair use'. Visitors may click on the publication name, in the news story, to visit the original article as it appears on the publication's website.
06 March 2008
London, United Kingdom
Prosecutors worldwide are too lenient on celebrities who use drugs, sending a dangerous message to young people, UN said in its global report on illegal narcotics trends. UN International Narcotics Control Board said overall drug usage appeared stable, but soaring opium production in Afghanistan was fuelling heroin use in its neighbours and globally.
Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse (TOI Photo)
It also warned drug smugglers were increasingly using West Africa as a transit point to bring cocaine and other substances into Europe from Latin America.
The board said too many governments disproportionately targeted ordinary addicts and street dealers while doing too little to tackle the larger narcotics gangs - and letting high-profile users walk free.
"The fact is that when a celebrity uses drugs, he or she breaks the law," board member and report author Hamid Ghodse told a news conference. "Young people are quick to pick up on, and react to, perceived leniency... It also makes people become cynical about drug enforcement."
To be effective, authorities must get tougher on those at the top of the illicit drug trade, Ghodse said, adding that because this was not easy, many law enforcers chased the easy pickings at the bottom of the pyramid.
Last month, Amy Winehouse was questioned - but not arrested - by police in connection with a video which appeared to show her smoking crack cocaine. Last October, she was arrested in Norway for possession of cannabis. She received just a fine. In 2005, top model Kate Moss faced allegations she had been taking cocaine, but the crown prosecution service announced the following year that she would not be charged over the claims.
Overall, Ghodse said, more coordination across borders was key to cracking the trade. But he said the situation in Afghanistan, now producing more than 93% of global opiates, was out of control. The report attributed the world's highest addiction rate - almost 3% of adults in Iran - on Afghan heroin. Drug control has become secondary as US, NATO and Afghan forces try to stop a resurgent Taliban in the drug producing provinces.
"The answer has obviously to begin with security, tackling the insurgency," Ghodse said. "But we should also be tackling eradication and not waiting until we have dealt with one to deal with the other. Despite all the efforts that have been done we have lost control, but that does not mean it is impossible."
Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse (TOI Photo)